Diabetes Jeopardy Answer #23 for D-Month: Diabetes is NOT Just in the USA…4 Making a Difference Where They Live

    
  ……..and the answer is, who are Jacqui Double, Jackie Jacombs, Barb Wagstaff, and Wayne Cox.

The problems of diabetes stretches across the globe and the problems and challenges we fight in the USA  are sometimes even more challenging than we would ever know.  But here is a short glimpse of 4 parents who fight the same fight we know, and make a difference in their country.  They will each tell you that they could never do it alone, yet I know each of them have been on their own at times when it seems darkest; but for their child (and for some it is their children-plural), they continue.  Each do with what they have to change the global face of diabetes.  I could write so much more about each, here is but a quick note what they do.

JACQUI DOUBLE—Clearly one might think that Jacqui could take a back seat to her incredible husband Oliver who is well-known in the diabetes community for his incredible lectures and his song, Think Like a Pancreas.  To think that, would be a huge mistake as this powerhouse takes on the British Parliament head-on and she leads the pack in advocacy for better diabetes care in the UK.  I have presented with Jacqui about advocacy and left humbled at her efforts.  She is tireless.  Their two sons have diabetes and you literally become breathless hearing of the outreach of this wonderful couple.

JACKIE JACOMBS–the best description of Jackie is when I was told, “….what she DOES NOT KNOW about type1 can be written on a (postage) stamp.”  THAT is a lot of knowledge but Jackie is not known for keeping this knowledge, she is known for sharing with others who need to know about this new normal called diabetes.  In 2002 she created the childrenwithdiabetesuk.org website where parents and people with diabetes can share and learn together.  She is an incredible advocate in the UK and the number of lives she has helped would be countless.

BARB WAGSTAFF–-for some reason anytime I mention Barb, I think of David and Goliath (or Barb and Goliath as the case may be) because Barb has to, and does, take on many of the battles worth fighting in Canada, it seems, almost alone.  Her undeterred, unfailing, and focused mission on the objective of a better life with diabetes; has created one of the fiercest advocates for reform in the world.  She does not hesitate to go-up against a country that needs to do more in treatment and in the schools to help those battling diabetes everyday.  Barb is a force—-and thank God our friends to the north have her in their corner.

WAYNE COX—his FB page, CWD DADS is refreshing and is closed to anyone other than a dad.  You can ask to join and must be accepted.  Here dads can say whatever is on their mind in an atmosphere of trust and friendship.  Diabetes is different from a dads point of view and here on this fabulous FB page; NO DISCUSSION is off the table.  Rarely is a site set up with such strong conviction and goals of trust as this one. 
(Updated: And as I stated, these folks would be the first to tell you that they did not go it alone and this site deserves a special shout out to Si Gumble, Tom Hetherington and Danna Maiden who were, and are, instrumental in the success of this Facebook page.  Good Job Mates.)

For Diabetes Awareness Month:
This month, I will be highlighting someone in the diabetes community.  They may be people you know, or might not know, but they give of themselves to make this world, our world, with diabetes a special place.   I will not get to everyone this month, but it is my hope that perhaps you can be introduced to some of those you may not know.

I’m certainly not the definitive on who should be included….you are.  If you think I should include someone, shoot me an email at tkarlya@drif.org and I will do what I can to include that person as well.  Welcome to diabetes awareness month.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.